STATEMENT: Mayor Hancock’s veto of flavored tobacco ban wrong decision for Denver’s youth

Media Contacts

CoPIRG calls on Denver City Council to overturn the veto

CoPIRG

DENVER – Denver Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed bill 21-1182, which would have banned most flavored tobacco products. The bill passed 8-3 through Denver City Council earlier this week. 

CoPIRG is calling on the Denver City Council to overturn the veto, which would require 9 votes. 

In a statement, CoPIRG executive director Danny Katz said:

“Flavored tobacco products are a nicotine trap for kids and I’m disappointed that Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed a bill that would have eliminated most flavored tobacco products in Denver. 

Flavors hook new kids every year and we have to act now with all the tools we have. 81% of kids who have used tobacco started with a flavored product. Flavors like cotton candy, bubble gum, blue raspberry and chocolate brownie have massive appeal for youth. Those flavors hide the danger.

We have worked with a coalition of over 100 public health and community organizations for over a year to develop and move this policy forward. 

The risk of hooking thousands of more young people on tobacco products is too great. State and regional action is needed too but the urgency to act is too high to wait. 

The Denver City Council should step up for youth and overturn the Mayor’s veto.”